Device for holding the fingers in writing



(No Model.)

0. I. WALLIS. DEVIGE FOR HOLDING THE FINGERS, IN WRITING.

Patented Sept. 26, 1882.

.IV W/ MM ATTORNEYS.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CLAUDE IVY WALLIS, OF MEMPHIS, ALABAMA.

DEVICE FOR HOLDING THE FINGERS IN WR|T|NG.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 265,193, datedSeptember 26, 1882. Application filed April 1, 1882. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CLAUDE IVY WALLIS, ofMemphis,in the county ofPickensand State ot'Alabama,haveinventedanew andImproved Device for Holding theFingers in Writing, of which the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription.

The object of my invention is to provide a new and improved device forholdingthe hand and fingers, as well the pen or pencil, in the properposition for writing, and to guide the muscle-movements of the fingersand hand, and

to avoid and prevent cramping of the fingers.

The invention consists in a device for holding the fingers in writing,which device is formed of a stock or frame for holding the forefingerand the pen-holder or pencil, and of a stock or frame for holding theremaining three fingers, which two stocks or frames are united by meansof a chain or other flexible connection, whereby the person will becompelled to write with the whole hand and not with the fingers only andthis device also obliges the hand, arm, and body to occupy the properposition to enable the person to write properly and fluently.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming part ofthis specification, in which similar letters of reference indicatecorresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved device for holding thehand in writing, showing the manner of using it. Fig. 2 is a perspectiveview of the same removed from the hand. Fig. 3 is a perspective view ofthe stock or loop-frame for the forefinger, showing the manner in whichthe pen or pencil rests on the stock or loopframe.

The stock or frame A, made ofwire or metal strips or plates, is providedat the front or lower end withtwo curved prongs, a and b, bent towardeach other and forming an opening, 13, to receive the forward part ofthe forefinger. The stock or frame A is provided at its rear or upperend with two curved prongs, c and d, bent toward each other and formingan open ring, 0, for receiving the upper part of the forefinger. Theupper prong, c, is pro vided with a projection or rest, H, upon whichthe pen-holder or pencil is adapted to rest.

The frame or stock A is to rest on the top or outer surface of theforefinger, as shown in Fig. 1.

The stockor frame D, also made of wire or metal strips, is provided atthe lower and upper ends with the curved prongs e and f, extendingtoward the side of the forefinger, and at the middle with a curvedprong, g, extending in the opposite direct-ioI1-that is, toward thethird finger. The second finger is adapted to be passed into the loopsformed by the curved prongs e,f, and g of the stock or frame D. Thestocks or frames A and D are connected by a chain, E, or other flexibleconnection. To the 'upper or inner part of the stock or frame D, or tothe prongf of the same, a loop, F, is attached, which is adapted toreceive the third and fourth fingers. The stock or frameA may be usedalone; but I prefer to use the two stocks or frames A and D united.

The projection or rest H serves to guide or hold the upperend of thepeu-holder or pencil, so that this pencil or pen-holder will be held atthe proper angle to the paper or writing-surfacesay forty-five(legrees-so that the pen can pass evenly and smoothly over the paperorwriting-surface. If the fingers are placed into the frames or stocks Aand D, they will be held in the proper position for writing, and theycannot be cramped. The frames compel the tingers to remain in the properposition, and af- 'ter using my improved device for a certain time thefingers will naturally remain in the proper position. Thiszis especiallythe case if children use my improved device.

Having thus fully described my invention, I

claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Paten t-- 1. A device forholding the fingers in writing, consisting of a stock or frame forholding the forefinger united with a stock or frame for holding theremaining three fingers, substantially as herein shownand described.

2. In a device for holding thefingers in writ ing, the stock or frameA,provided with curved prongs a b at the lower end and curved prongs c dat the upper end, substantially as herein shown and described, and forthe purpose set forth.

3. In a device forliolding the fingers in writin g,the stock or frame A,provided with curved 5. In a device for holding the fingers inwritprongs a b at the lower end, the curved prongs ing, the.combination, with the stock or frame 0 cl, and the projection or restHfor the pencil A, of the stock or frame D, the chain E, and orpen-holder, substantially as herein shown the loop F, substantially asherein shown and 5 and described, and for the purpose set forth.described, and for the purpose set forth.

4. In a device for holding the fingers in writing, the combination, withthe stock A or frame CLAUDE IVY WALLIS A, of the stock or frame D andthe chain E, sub- Witnesses: stantially as herein shown and described,and SPENCER WALKER,

10 for the purpose set forth. JAMES W. WALLIS.

